About Us
Azienda Agricola Minnei is a small, diversified farm located in Assolo, a quiet village in the heart of Sardinia. We are situated in the Marmilla region, at the foot of the Giara di Gesturi — home to the last wild horses in Europe.
Here, the landscape remains untouched: small fields framed by Mediterranean scrub alternate with ancient oak and holm oak woods. Our farm includes native olive groves and a vineyard, both carefully tended.
We believe that to truly honor the land and its gifts, we must respect the knowledge passed down through generations. Our family has always lived by the rhythms of farming and animal husbandry. Today, we continue to grow our crops using traditional methods — crop rotation and dry farming — and we never use synthetic chemicals. This choice results in very low yields, but it also gives us something far more valuable: exceptional quality.
Giuseppe, the founder of the farm, has been working the land with love and dedication for many years, preserving the legacy of his birthplace.
OUR VINEYARD
Our vineyard was planted in 2019 in the area known as Marciana. The soil here is rich in volcanic and calcareous minerals, and the land faces north — ideal conditions for grape cultivation.
This same plot once belonged to our grandparents, and we drew inspiration directly from them. We replanted the exact same grape varieties they once grew. It was not an easy task: many of the original varieties had disappeared by the 1960s. With the support of Agris and the Akinas project, we managed to recover and reintroduce several native vines. Among them, the Crannaccia Arussa stands out — a grape variety deeply connected to the story of our vineyard.
OUR GRAINS
Cereal crops are at the heart of our farm’s identity. We cultivate Senatore Cappelli durum wheat — an ancient Italian variety traditionally grown without synthetic chemicals. Its medium to large golden grains are compact and robust, yielding a flour rich in fibre, complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Cappelli wheat is ideal for those seeking natural, wholesome nutrition. Thanks to its antioxidant properties and excellent digestibility, it provides energy in a balanced and healthy way. In the kitchen, its versatility is unmatched: it can be ground into wholemeal flour for making bread, focaccia, biscuits, or homemade pasta, or cooked whole and used in soups, salads, or as a side dish. Its firm texture and slightly nutty taste bring the genuine flavours of rural tradition to every plate.
We also grow einkorn wheat — or Triticum monococcum — considered one of the oldest grains ever cultivated by humanity. Its small, oval grains are densely packed with nutrients and feature a simple gluten structure, making it more digestible than modern varieties. Like Cappelli, it is grown using natural, low-impact methods.
Einkorn flour is perfect for rustic breads and pastries, and the grain can be boiled whole and used in a wide range of dishes. Its delicate, nutty aroma and rich, earthy taste reflect the ancient bond between people and the land.
These grains represent a true agricultural heritage: symbols of health, authenticity, and environmental care.
OUR LEGUMES
Alongside our grains, we grow a small but carefully selected variety of legumes, chosen for their nutritional value, resilience, and flavour.
Black chickpeas with thick skin are among the most distinctive. With their deep colour and firm outer layer, they hold their shape well during long cooking, making them perfect for soups, stews, or rustic dishes. Inside, they are soft and flavourful, with an intense, slightly nutty taste. Rich in plant proteins, fibre, and minerals such as iron and magnesium, they are a hearty and nutritious choice for traditional or innovative recipes.
Fine white chickpeas offer a contrast in delicacy and refinement. Their small, round shape, smooth thin skin, and bright colour give them a light, elegant presence. They cook quickly and evenly, with a soft texture and mild taste ideal for purées, soups, or salads. These chickpeas are especially appreciated in recipes that call for a touch of subtlety.
Mignon lentils, our smallest variety, are like tiny pearls: compact, evenly shaped, and practical for cooking. Their colour ranges from green to light brown, and their size allows for fast and even preparation. Nutritious and rich in protein, they’re excellent for hearty salads, side dishes, or delicate soups. Their soft yet firm texture and mild, earthy taste make them one of the most versatile legumes in our kitchen.
OUR LAND: MARCIANA
Welcome to Marciana, in Assolo, at the heart of the Marmilla region in central Sardinia — home to Crannaccia Arussa, a unique and ancient grape variety preserved in this land.
This is where our vineyard grows, surrounded by olive groves, ancient oaks, and fields of heritage grains and legumes. Everything we cultivate shares the same philosophy: to protect biodiversity, respect the land’s rhythms, and offer food that is as healthy and genuine as the soil it comes from.
OUR STORY
During the First World War, our ancestor Giuseppe Minnei — father of Efisio and grandfather of today's Giuseppe — served on the front lines. There, he formed a deep bond with a fellow soldier. In the bitter cold of winter, with temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees, the two men shared memories and hopes of returning home.
Giuseppe often spoke of Muscadeddu Budru — the local name for Nuragus wine — dreaming of the day he could enjoy a glass again. His comrade, on the other hand, longed for a wine he called Crannaccia Arussa — a name Giuseppe had never heard before.
Their friendship deepened as they survived the horrors of war together. After the armistice, they returned to their villages and eventually lost contact. But news, even without telephones, still traveled. Years later, the friend learned that Giuseppe had married and was planting a vineyard. He decided to visit, bringing with him cuttings of the Crannaccia Arussa. Together, the two friends grafted the vines into Giuseppe's land.
Giuseppe would later blend Crannaccia Arussa with Nuragus and Semidano, aging the wine in a small oak barrel. It was a special wine — used to season meat for sausages, and offered as a gift to newlyweds, a symbol of fertility and good fortune.
The original vineyard flourished until the 1970s, when it was replaced by an olive grove. In 2019, the olive trees were relocated, and the land returned to its roots. Today, that same plot is once again a vineyard — the vineyard of our grandfather, reborn through a bond of true friendship and brotherhood.